Surprise Phone Call

So, yesterday I am sitting at my computer working on Monkeys lessons to print for her next unit study when the phone rings. To my surprise it is the lady who taught the preschool class that my DD attended last year. Apparently the school contacted her after finding out we were homeschooling. She told the school that it did not surprise her in the least and then congratulated me on our decision.

I have to admit I was VERY surprised considering she is a teacher in our school system. She then told me the only concern the school had about our decision was that it was lowering their numbers meaning they would not get as much funding as their funding is based on enrollment. At no time were they concerned with whether or not I would be able to successfully educate her at home. I was sooo glad to know that someone was on my side, and she offered to help me in any way she could. Anything I am looking for she will try to get for me, and will even get the book orders to me.

After talking with her yesterday, I really had a renewed confidence that I could actually do this. She even told me that from her experience with Monkey last year in preschool, if I were to put her in school this year for primary she would be bored and would really need to be in grade one. She figured that if I was able to teach her that much at home without even trying that I should have no trouble providing an adequate education at home with a bit of planning and goal setting.

At least I had a renewed confidence - until this morning. I am still working part time outside the home and currently doing three night shifts in a row so the regular night girl can have some vacation time. Since I am human and do require sleep I made arrangements for DD to have a sleepover at Nana's house tonight. I am thinking that is going to be a big mistake.  You see, the last time Nana (my mother) looked after her for an afternoon a couple of weeks ago she kept telling Monkey how she should not be home schooled and that she should be in "big school" as we call public school in our home. So this morning when I was making sure she was around before taking her down, I mentioned the call from her preschool teacher. BIG MISTAKE! She instantly started on how this was a mistake and she should be in public school so she can be socialized. I said that there are other was to accomplish that and she says she needs the routine of school. Being very tired from working all night I decided that now was not the time to get into a debate.

It is unfortunate that my own mother cannot understand why we have chosen this for our DD, and I hope that she will soon open her mind enough to try to understand and at least listen to our reasons. She doesn't have to agree, but she could at least be willing to hear me out and let me answer any concerns that she has. Anyway, just needed to do some rambling and get some issues off my chest.

Not looking forward to what my DD will be saying tomorrow about what Nana will be putting in her head. May be her last visit for a while. It is too bad that Monkey will be put in the middle when it really doesn't have to be that way.

Beth